Excellence in volunteering awards were recently presented to three volunteers at Lough Ree RNLI. Damien Delaney, Tony McCarth and Bernard Larkin were recognised for their generous and significant contributions to the community and the charity.
At a special ceremony, which was part of the Lough Ree RNLI Open day earlier this month (Saturday 10 June) Lough Ree RNLI Operations Manager Kevin Ganly made the presentations on behalf of the charity.
A letter from John Payne, Director of Lifesaving Operations at the RNLI commended Damien Delaney, a key player in the establishment of a lifeboat on the lake as ‘the epitome of an RNLI volunteer, leading with a strong moral compass and a depth of integrity whose professional approach to all aspects of the volunteer role has been an exemplar’.
Presenting the award to Tony McCarth, who first joined as a volunteer in 2014, Kevin Ganly commended his ‘leadership of Lough Ree RNLI at a time of transition and his stewardship as the charity moved into its new lifeboat station.’
The Excellence in Volunteer Award Citation for Station Mechanic Bernard Larkin described his ‘warmth of character, sense of humour and positive, yet robust attitude which resonates in all he does allowing him to be a wonderful voice for all the crew.’
The volunteers received a cut glass award specially commissioned by the RNLI and a framed copy of the citation.
Closing the ceremony, volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager Kevin Ganly said; ‘this is a very proud moment for everyone associated with Lough Ree RNLI and a fitting end to the charity’s volunteer month.’
